The Coyote Hills – a Relic of the Age of Dinosaurs

Home , Alameda Creek, Alcatraz Island, Bair Island, Diablo Range, Marin Headlands

AUTUMN 2016 Volume 39, Number 3

The Coyote Hills – A Relic of the Age of Dinosaurs By Bruce Rogers, sediment covering of the older ocean floor US Geological Survey (retired) called the Farallon Plate, was scraped off as The Coyote Hills are located at the it was subducted (pushed under) the ad- eastern end of the Dumbarton Bridge in vancing North American Plate, then heated, the City of Fremont in southern Alameda squeezed, and generally mistreated. County. The bulk of the hills are north of Rather quickly, geologically speak- ing, some of these rocks that made up the Highway 84, where a regional park is named Farallon Plate top-most layer, were thrust after the hills. The smallest of the hills, under the North American Plate, and then located south of Highway 84, is where the pushed back up to the surface. Further plate San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge tectonic movements cracked, bent, and Headquarters resides. moved these large blocks of rock around the They form an irregular, linear ridge western edge of North America. Some were roughly parallel to the western Coast Ranges smashed against the then coast where they and eastern Diablo Range. Surrounded by were welded into place about 70 million a piedmont of grassy fields to the east and years ago. mixed marshland and salt evaporator ponds Along the joint between these two to the west, they look strangely out of place. plates, exotic rocks formed nearly 10 miles No other natural hills in the east bay exist beneath the ocean were then “squeezed” in such close proximity to the San Francisco up along the deeply reaching boundary Bay. Their rugged red, brown, and greenish faults and intruded into the already highly Figure 1. Radiolarian Chert by the Harrier rocks also look unlike most of the rocks mish-mash of assorted rocks at coast side. Spur Trail at Don Edwards Refuge. forming the surrounding hills and moun- Subsequently, more tectonic movements Photo: Jose Garcia tains. These seemingly out of place and pushed up the Coast Ranges, similar to exotic rocks comprising the Coyote Hills, pushing up folds in a rug. These rocks have its convoluted migration to Coyote Hills, it however, offer a glimpse into the far distant fascinated geologist for nearly 150 years. was metamorphosed, squeezed, heated, and past of Central California. First mapped in San Francisco in the late subjected to alkali fluids nearly 500 degrees To start, we must travel back to the 1800s, they were named the Franciscan Fahrenheit in temperature. Once welded to dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs, nearly 200 Assemblage or Group after the San the coast, this pervasively fractured rock was million years ago. The Fremont and Newark Francisco-founding Franciscans. deeply weathered to an ocherous brownish- area was then covered by the proto-Pacific Before we go further into how the yellow color. Thin veins of milky quartz Ocean. Underwater volcanoes poured black Coyote Hills became a “high tide” island and white calcite deposited from hot water basalt lava out onto the ocean bed floor (one surrounded by sea water only at high solutions encountered during its wild ride while masses of silica ooze slowly, accumu- tide), we should take a quick look at the commonly pattern these rocks. lating in the adjacent, deeper ocean basins. rocks themselves. The most common rock Nearly as plentiful as the greenstone, All these rocks were originally deposited in exposed in the hills is a dark greenish-black bright reddish-orange chert (Figure 1) tropical waters just north of the equator and colored rock called greenstone. makes up most of the higher hills and pin- perhaps several thousand miles southwest of Greenstone, denoted as “gs” on the geo- nacled outcrops of the Coyote Hills. Chert their present location. logic map (Figure 2), is basalt lava, common started its life as silica accumulating on the A great deal of time passed as the in such places as Hawaii. Originally poured floors of deep ocean basins. Literally billions North American Plate pushed its way west, out onto the ocean floor as pillow-shaped overriding the older ocean floor. The thin blobs (amazingly called pillow basalt) during continued next page from page 1 of tiny silica-shelled animals called radiolar- ians lived, died, and sank to form a jelly-like ooze. Compressed for millennia, this ooze slowly turned into hard, brittle chert. Traces of iron and manganese give the chert its red, yellow, orange, blackish-blue, and green coloration. In many places, thin beds of manganese oxides remain between the chert layers as thin, glossy bluish-black coatings. Less common is feldspar-rich sand- stone called graywacke. In the Franciscan Assemblage, graywacke usually forms the bulk of the rocks, but here it is far less common. Most of these rocks are deeply weathered. One can also see graywacke by digging nearly 30 feet down to fresh rock where the original light gray color can be seen. Very minor amounts of highly metamorphosed limestone, denoted as “Is” on the geologic map, deposited on the original offshore island chain have been found in the hills. The scraps of this white to rose-colored rock only occur in a few places in the Coyote Hills including the northwestern end and center of the range in Coyote Hills Regional Park. Limestone often contains tiny fossils used to date the rocks and to figure out their origin. This limestone, in contrast to the more common reef deposits, was formed atop of submerged mountains called seamounts. Hot water Figure 2. Geologic map of the coyote hills. from the cooling basalt precipitated lime This package of former deep sea rocks of magnesium-rich solutions, sprinkling from the seawater to form the limestone. are now considered one of 11 series of “ter- thumb-sized bobbles of the orange to Relatively pure limestone is colored creamy ranes” or groups of similar rock groups in tan-colored mineral magnesite into the white while those colored in various shades the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding serpentine. of red and pink have more iron impurities Central California geographic area. The Once the Coyote Hills attained their within it. greenstone-chert-graywacke combination of final resting place, the forces of water and Let us return to the days of yesteryear old ocean bottom rocks, is called the Marin wind began their patient work of reducing and see just what became of the hodgepodge Headlands terrane and extends from Coyote them to low slopes adjacent to the San of rocks of slightly differing age and mode Hills north under San Francisco Bay, up Francisco Bay. This, however, would take of origin. About 24 million years ago, through central San Francisco, and on into some time. the east-over-west motion of the North the Marin Headlands where it was first San Francisco Bay formed from a grassy American Plate slightly diverged and a large mapped by geologists nearly 120 years ago. valley about 12,000 years ago as slowly splinter of the coastal apron (rock) was split Sometime during all this shuffling of rising seawater from the melting of glaciers off. The resulting fracture separating this large plates of rock, deep crust rocks made covered the aprons surrounding the hill. large block from the rest of North America of dark green minerals were slowly extruded Saltwater marshes formed along the edges is now called the San Andreas fault system upwards along the nearly vertical faults as a of the hills and extended outward nearly a (Figure 3). The Hayward and Calaveras plastic sheet. Partly metamorphosed by hot mile into the bay. Slowly the adjacent slopes faults are part of this system. A host of water solutions in the crust during their epic of the Diablo Range were eroded down to small, shorter faults are also present, one journey, the rocks were changed into bluish- provide great quantities of sandy and silty being the Silver Creek fault that extends green serpentine, California’s State Rock. sediment that Alameda Creek spread to from the northeastern San Jose area north This mass was intruded into the Marin nearly engulf the eastern shore of the Coyote towards Hayward. This fault actually Headlands terrane, as well as others, along Hills. As a result, the hills were formerly marks the eastern edge of the Coyote Hills. the major faults separating the terranes “high tide” islands, having a seawater moat Because these hills that are so distinct from from each other. Indeed, wherever you find during high tides. the surrounding rocks and structure, it is serpentine, you are looking at a profoundly The first peoples to occupy the area postulated that a similar fault marks the deep fault millions of years old. Waning arrived about 10,000 years ago and, finding western edge of the hills. heated water solutions added a final pulse the climate and plentiful resources to their Page 2 liking, began to exploit these resources. Chert was used to make tools and weapons. Grinding pits for processing nuts and seeds were worn into both chert boulders and greenstone outcrops. Modern settlers followed their prede- cessors and diked off marshlands to form salt evaporation ponds, creating the largest natural salt distillery in North America. In adjacent, drained marshes to the east of Coyote Hills, cattle ranches and dairy and vegetable farms thrived during the 1800s and early 1900s before everyone found the delightful climate of the Bay Area and moved in. Modern developers, too, found the flanks of the Coyote Hills attractive and opened up several quarries to mine crushed rock aggregate for concrete. Indeed, the former Dumbarton Quarry once extended nearly 120 feet below sea level in its final Figure 3. Formation of the San Andreas Fault system through time (from USGS Rocks and stages. Geology in the San Francisco Bay Region Bulletin 2195). So sit awhile atop the Coyote Hills and ponder the ages-old chain of events Bruce Rogers began cave exploring in the tion as a field geologist at the US Geological that raised a former ocean bottom to a new wilds of New England in 1958. Since then he Survey. After 33 years geologic mapping all height. Delight in the rock colors, textures, has explored the basements of North America over California, Nevada, Oregon, and New and forms that, over the years, eroded to from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Mexico, and looking at and talking to rocks, soils that provide a footing for the varied Alaska to the Guatemala border in addition he “retired.” He now gives lectures; does geology plants and animals that now inhabit the to many of the islands of the Pacific Basin. walks, and writes articles, pamphlets, and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Following college and a stint as an earth books about earth science. Wildlife Refuge. science consultant for four years, he took a posi- Birds Know No Borders This year marks the centennial of the buffers (protection), ground water recharge, rookery in San Francisco Bay. Hundreds of signing of the foundational treaty that flood control, and many other benefits to thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds visit recognizes and celebrates that migratory society. Birds contribute other environ- the tidal marshes and salt ponds of the Don birds know no borders. On August 16, mental benefits such as pollination, insect Edwards San Francisco Bay and San Pablo 1916, the United States and Great Britain and rodent control, and seed (for Canada) signed the Convention for the dispersal. Birds also play a key Protection of Migratory Birds - also called role in the U.S. economy by the Migratory Bird Treaty. Ultimately this supporting outdoor recreation Refuge led to three more international treaties with such as bird watching, nature Mexico, Japan, and Russia for the protection photography, and hunting that Reflections of migratory birds that travel among and create jobs and generate billions by Anne Morkill, inhabit these nations. These treaties connect of dollars in revenue for local Refuge Complex Manager the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with our communities. federal, state, private, non-government, Located along the Pacific tribal, and international partners across a Flyway, a virtual highway in the sky along Bay NWRs. Coastal dunes on the Salinas century of conserving, protecting, and man- which birds travel from as far as Alaska and River NWR provide critical nesting habitat aging migratory birds and their habitats. Canada’s arctic tundra to the neotropical for the western snowy plover. A diversity of Migratory birds connect people with forests of South America, the seven refuges birds utilize the remnant sand dunes and ri- nature and add beauty, sound and color to in the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife parian zone on the Antioch Dunes NWR, as our daily lives, whether in an urban park Refuge Complex provide important nesting, do many species seeking food and cover in or a remote wilderness area. They provide roosting, and foraging habitat for a diversity countless opportunities for enjoyment by of bird species throughout the seasons. the oak woodlands and freshwater sloughs birders, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, The Farallon Islands NWR hosts the on the Ellicott Slough NWR. Join us in the and they have cultural and spiritual largest seabird nesting colony outside of coming months for a variety of programs importance. Protecting habitats for birds Alaska and Hawaii, and the Marin Islands and events where you can learn more about also ensures improved water quality, coastal NWR supports the largest heron and egret migratory birds! Page 3 National Wildlife Refuge Week Open House October 9-15 is National Wildlife Refuge Week!

On October 15, drop by the refuge to view critters that live in the sloughs and mud that form the basis of our food chain, see the beauty of San Francisco Bay by going on a Bay Bike Ride, or take a relaxing stroll at dusk to view the setting sun. Take part in some or all of the activities listed below. Go to page 11 for more information.

October 15, 2016

• Native Plant Sale • California Jr. Duck Stamp Winners Display • Bay Bike Ride • Introduction to Nature Drawing with Linda Knoll • Plankton and Mud Lab • Live Bird Show with Sulphur Creek Nature Center • Twilight Marsh Walk

Visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay

Introduction to Nature Drawing with Linda Knoll

Date: Saturday, October 15

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont. Follow the signs to the outdoor pavilion

Bring a sketchpad and other art materials if you have them. We will also have some for you to borrow. For more information, go to page 11. Register at: http://DrawingNature.eventbrite.com

Sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Page 4 National Wildlife Refuge Week Live Bird Show with Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Sean Liu Ansate Jones Ansate Jones October 15, 2016 • 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont. Follow the signs to the outdoor pavilion. Register at http://LiveBirdShow.eventbrite.com Sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society

Page 5 Trash Birds? Foraging Ecology of Central Coast Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) By Scott A. Shaffer, Associate Professor of Biology, San Jose State University The first impression that typically comes to mind when someone mentions the word ‘seagull’ is ‘trash bird’, ‘rats with wings’, or those flocks of birds that arrive in the 9th inning at AT&T Park to help clean up. However, the word ‘seagull’ is not really correct because not all gulls (birds of the family Laridae) live around the sea. Nevertheless, western gulls (Larus occidentalis) are one of the most conspicuous birds found throughout coastal California. In fact, the San Francisco Bay region is home to the largest breeding colony. Located 30 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, Southeast Farallon Island has a breeding population that can exceed 20 thousand birds. There are additional colonies at Año Nuevo Island (San Mateo coast) and Alcatraz Island (San Francisco Bay) but these colonies are much smaller by comparison. The proximity of these colonies to the mainland, combined with the fact that western gulls are considered generalist Flight paths of western gulls tracked using GPS loggers from Southeast Farallon Island predators with a really broad diet, puts them (black lines) and Año Nuevo Island (blue lines). Red dots denote the colony locations for in frequent contact with urban centers along each population. the coast. This raises a number of interesting feed at sea versus making a trip to the local However, when traveling all the way questions like, do all western gulls feed in landfill? With recent advances in technology to Oakland, several gulls flew more than the city or is that gull stealing your hotdog (e.g. like the mini GPS chip in your smart 90 miles roundtrip. Frequent destinations at Fisherman’s Wharf just passing through phone), it is now possible to answer some of Farallon gulls included Lake Merced, to somewhere else? Do gulls from different of these questions. You may be surprised by Recology San Francisco waste center (near colonies feed at the same places along the what we’ve learned. Candlestick Point), and Waste Management coast or does each colony have its own selec- Collaborating with Point Blue in Oakland. Gulls from Año Nuevo fre- tion of sites? How often do western gulls Conservation Science and the Farallon quented the Santa Cruz Resource Recovery National Wildlife Refuge, we compared Facility and several creek mouths along the the foraging ecology of western gulls at coast. Overall, western gulls spent about half Southeast Farallon Island and Año Nuevo the time foraging at sea as they did on land Island. Gulls were captured at their nest and (48% vs. 52%, respectively) but the foraging equipped with 20 gram GPS data loggers at- patterns differed markedly between colonies. tached to four tail feathers using waterproof So, why study the foraging ecology of tape. western gulls? Quite simply, gulls are a vital After four to eight days, gulls were link for nutrient transfer between marine recaptured and the tag removed. Overlap in and terrestrial ecosystems and their capacity foraging sites between colonies was relatively to feed at refuse sites in urban environments minor. Gulls breeding at the Farallon Islands possibly subsidizes gull populations with foraged at sea more often (nearly 70% of unintended consequences (e.g., transport of A western gull with a GPS data logger trips) than feeding in the city but this trend garbage and contaminants). taped to its tail feathers (black object at was opposite at Año Nuevo Island (71% Comparison of gulls with other start of tail). The logger weighs about 20 went to a site on land). Typical foraging locations like Alcatraz Island and colonies grams and the gull carries it for 4-6 days. trips away from the colony lasted three to in southern California and Oregon are Photo by Emma C. Kelsey 2014. four hours and gulls often flew 30-45 miles underway and more results will be forth roundtrip. coming in the next year. Page 6 Sixteen-Year-Old Wins Best of Show in 2016 California Junior Duckstamp Contest, Then Takes National Award Competing With 27,000 Young Artists By Pam Bierce, External Affairs, Pacific cently honored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife “It’s great knowing that I get to pursue my Southwest Region Service, U.S. Postal Service and Bass Pro passion while raising awareness and funds “It was April Fool’s Day, so naturally Shops at the first day of sale ceremony held for waterfowl and habitat conservation,” she my reaction was disbelief at first,” says earlier this month in Springfield, Missouri. says. 16-year-old Stacy Shen, describing her All funds from Duck Stamp sales go to envi- She specifically chose to draw two initial reaction to winning Best of Show in ronmental education programs, and increase Ross’s geese because of their simple snowy the California Junior Duck Stamp Art and the opportunities for wildlife education and plumage that she feels allows for both Conservation Contest. habitat conservation across the U.S. elegance and a dramatic contrast. “White Shen’s color pencil drawing of a pair Shen’s favorite part of the contest, can be graceful and playful, and I was able of Ross’s geese other than drawing to utilize the background to show that. was one of over beautiful birds, is the Overall, Ross’s geese give the piece a serene, 5,000 entries in the conservation aspect. vibrant effect,” Shen says. 2016 contest held earlier this spring at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. However, winning in California was only the beginning for the Fremont, California, native. Shen’s artwork also was selected by a panel of judges to appear on the 2016-17 Federal Junior Duck Stamp, placing first among over 27,000 national entries. “It was such a shock; I didn’t expect it at all and never thought about being able to win it nationally,” Shen says. “Through my five years of participating in this contest, it had always been something that has been far away, something that someone else would get.” Stacy Shen, national Junior Duck Stamp artist, poses with Joe Hautman, 2016-2017 Shen, along with the National Duck Federal Duck Stamp artist at the first day of sale event at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Stamp winner, Joe Hautman, were re- World, Springfield, Mo

Meet National Jr. Duck Stamp Contest Winner Stacy Shen! Date: Saturday, October 15 Where: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Newark Slough Learning Center, Fremont Down the hill from the Visitor Center Time: 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. You are invited to meet and greet award-winning artist Stacy Shen and view her winning entry into the Federal 2016 Jr. Duck Stamp contest. All California winners from the contest will also be on display. Stacy will be on hand to sign the Jr. Duck Stamp available for $5 at the day of the event. Proceeds of the sale goes toward environmental education.

Page 7 Thank you San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Donors!

We gratefully acknowledge the following Participant Senior/Student donors who have made gifts to the San Norborn M Felton, Robert & Harriet Harriette Atkins, Patricia Callaway, Ann Francisco Bay Wildlife Society between Jakovina, Martha A Johnson, Susan A Klein, Dee Clemenza, Erna B Coker, Bonne April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. These Paula McNamee Curtis-Leibee, Jeffrey M Dickemann, gifts will be used for publishing Tideline, William Donnelly, Craig & Barbara capital, environmental education, habitat Supporter L Heckman, Patricia Kishi, Bernice restoration, and interpretive programs at the Sherlyn Brubaker, Cindy Lockhart Lowney, Donald G McKinstry, Miranda L San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Miller, Nancy Miller, Albert Mroz, Clark Complex. Family Nakamura, Joanne Preston, Kammy Rose, Employer & Matching Jeffery B Allen, Susan Jane Boddy, Jan Allen Royer, Christina Tworek, Stella Yang Gift Program Z Hintermeister, Mary Light, Karen McCreddin, Igor & Shirley Mae Skaredoff, Frontstream c/o United Airlines Kathleen Yoshikawa

Memorials/Honorariums Individual Nancy Zapotocki, Funds for the Yellow Bus George B & Stephanie Almeida, Norton Fund Bell, John B Bowers, Marlene S Grunow, Locke C Jorgensen, William H Kapper, Sponsor Richard P Santos, YooHsiu Yeh Laurel Przybylski

Help Us Protect Your San Francisco Bays Wetlands! Mail your donation to: San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, For nearly 30 years, the San Francisco P.O. Box 234, Newark, CA 94560. You may also become a member Bay Wildlife Society has: at www.sfbws.com. • Introduced the Refuge to tens of thousands of students of all ages For a gift membership, call 510-792-0222 ext. 364. • Helped fund the Bair Island restoration and Management Plan, restoration work at San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization which Antioch Dunes NWR, and uplands restora- raises money and awareness for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge tion at the Alviso Environmental Education Complex. Center • Provided weekend staff in Alviso through YES! I want to support San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society and its programs. long-term partnerships with the City of San My dues include a subscription to Tideline. Enclosed is my contribution of: Jose and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program o $20 Student/Senior o $200 Corporation • Provided funding for a new boardwalk o $35 Individual o $250 Sponsor at the New Chicago Marsh Trail at the o $50 Family o $500 Sustainer Environmental Education Center o $75 Supporter o $1,000 Leader • Funded a new greenhouse o $100 Participant • Provided funds to create a native plant nursery • And much more o Check For credit card payment, please use PayPal at www.sfbws.com/donate. Help continue this tradition by becoming Name______a Supporting Member of the Society. Benefits include: Address______• Free subscription to Tideline newsletter City______State_____ Zip ______• Tax Deduction Phone______Email______• Free book – Exploring Our Baylands • The joy of giving in support of the protection Thank you for your support! of this important environment. Page 8 San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Quarterly Message Volunteer Opportunities Saturdays and Sundays consistently. The potentially developing long-term partner- Society did not support this decision to ships with Alameda and San Mateo county Volunteers are needed to operate the reduce services and we shared our concerns agencies/cities to fund environmental Nature Stores and the visitor informa- about fewer programs and lost Nature Store education and interpretive programs (similar tion desk at the Fremont Visitor Contact revenue. to the partnerships we currently have Station (Contact Station) and the San After much discussion, FWS and the with the City of San Jose and Santa Clara Jose Environmental Education Center Society have agreed to close the facilities on Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention (Education Center). We are also seeking Sundays until further staffing is available, Program); becoming involved in the Urban volunteers to help with an exciting cleanup and to keep the rest of the days the same. Wildlife Conservation Program, a Refuge program in Santa Clara County for which Check the refuge’s website for more details. Complex priority; dealing with the chal- the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society We look forward to your inputs on lenges and constraints that stems from lower (Society) received a grant. Reach out to this significant change: take our survey at FWS staffing levels at the Refuge Complex; [email protected], 510-792- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFBWS- and ways to expand the Nature Stores as a 0222, ext. 364 for more information or Survey2016. means to raise funds for Refuge Complex dates! Look for more volunteer positions as programs. we plan for the future, see below. Current Projects Need more? Check out www.sfbws.com The Board of Directors is moving and refugeassociation.org on other ways to Challenges Ahead get involved or to learn more. As always, we Earlier this year, a new effort spearhead- through a strategic planning process to develop goals for the upcoming years, and welcome your inputs. Send your thoughts to ed by Fish & Wildlife Service Education Ceal[dot]Craig[at]SFBWS[dot]com Center Director Genie Moore was aimed to migrate the organization into a Friends organization for the Refuge Complex. In Cecilia (Ceal) D. Craig, PhD to develop a Visitor Services strategic plan President, SFBWS Board of Directors for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay particular, we want to broaden our focus NWR. Two staff and one volunteer from the to include the needs of the four refuges Society worked alongside Fish & Wildlife within the Refuge Complex that the Society (FWS) staff and a community leader for supports (Don Edwards San Francisco Bay, many hours to develop a work plan that Salinas River, Ellicott Slough, and Farallon would incorporate the goals from the NWRs), and maintain a fruitful collabora- New Hours at the Visitor refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan, tion with the Friends of San Pablo Bay who the FWS Standards of Excellence and the assist the other three refuges in the North Center in Fremont and Next Generation Science Standards being Bay (San Pablo Bay, Marin Islands, and Environmental Education Antioch Dunes NWRs). implemented in California schools. The Center in Alviso desired outcome was an action plan that is Much is happening around San SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, Francisco Bay such as the next phase of the Effective September 1, 2016 relevant, and timely) and sustainable to Salt Pond Restoration efforts at the Eden Landing ponds in Hayward; Measure AA be used in natural resources management Visitor Center in Fremont: plans to be developed in the coming year and its impacts on upcoming restoration for the Refuge Complex. However, FWS efforts; the Shoreline Levee Project; habitat Wednesday-Saturday, staffing losses have proved to be a challenge restoration and associated studies; environ- 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. mental education and stewardship projects; and the Society has decided to suspend its Federal Holidays: Closed direct involvement in this effort and focus recreational improvements such as interpre- instead on primary program priorities for tive mobile apps; and much more. Living Wetlands and Watershed Watchers Environmental Education programs. Future Ideas Center in Alviso: July 30, 2017 marks the 30th an- FWS personnel losses in recent years Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. have become constraints affecting the niversary of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife facilities and services available to the public. Society. How would you like to celebrate Monday-Friday/Non-Field Trip For more than 20 years, our partners (City this milestone? We would like to connect Days: Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. of San Jose and Santa Clara Valley Urban with long-term and new members to hear Monday-Friday/Field Trip Days: Runoff Pollution Prevention Program) have your reasons for supporting the organiza- fiscally supported employees to allow the tion, and your ideas about its future. Closed Education Center to be open on weekends On July 9, we had a Town Hall Forum Federal Holidays: Closed now supplemented by a FWS intern on a to gather ideas from members and the few Saturdays each month. With additional public for the Society’s next 10 years. The recent FWS staff reductions, the FWS and full notes from the meeting are up on the Trails remain open sunrise Society cannot keep the Education Center SFBWS.com website blog. to sunset. or the Fremont Contact Station open on A sampling of the ideas generated were: Page 9 Saturday, September 17 Coastal Cleanup! October Autumn Dumbarton Bridge Parking Lot, Fremont Saturday, October 1 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. BAY DAY at Inner Bair Island Join thousands of people around the world for Activity International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Bring a Inner Bair Island, Redwood City hat, sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and gloves 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. if you have them. No reservations needed. All Bair Island is now open! On this 1.5-mile walk, Schedule groups welcome. For more information, contact witness wetland restoration in progress. Hear Children under the age of 16 must be Paul Mueller at 510-792-0222 ext. 361. the story of Bair Island and see how we are accompanied by an adult. turning the former salt pond back into a healthy Saturday, September 24 tidal marsh. Directions: Take Highway 101 and *Trails are generally level. exit at Whipple Ave in Redwood City. Head west Surface and trail conditions vary. toward the bay. The road winds 0.5 mile be- Please call for accessibility information. Drawbridge Van Excursion Environmental Education Center, Alviso coming East Bayshore, then Bair Island Road. The Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge Bair 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Island parking lot is on the right. Meet by the An abandoned town in the San Francisco Bay? restrooms. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. That’s right! Nestled on an island in the salt Go to: http://innerbairtour.eventbrite.com. Ques- September marshes of South San Francisco Bay, the town tions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. of Drawbridge once boomed. Was it a quiet, Saturday, September 3 peaceful town full of nature lovers, or people BAY DAY Litter Poster Making *Marshlands of Dreams scrabbling out a living? How long did it exist? Environmental Education Center, Alviso Find out at this program led by Ceal Craig. Start 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont with a slide show, and then take a short van Using paper cuts, found plastic debris and pho- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote tography, create a poster on how to protect our Creek. Program will be of most interest to adults Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the LaRiv- watershed, including our bay. This workshop is interested in history or nature. Children 13 years iere Marsh Trail to find traces of the past. Prior to led by Michele Guieu who is exhibiting her in- and over with an adult are welcome. Space is marsh restoration, learn how Californians utilized stallation “Coastal Clean Up” at the Education very limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to the area for farming, quarrying, salt production, Center for the summer. Please bring your smart http://draweec.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call and transportation. phone and/or tablet, and please download the Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. (Note: we do not free app PicCollage before coming. Thank you! visit the town itself – we go to the closest spot *Nature Walk for Health Age 7 and up please. RESERVATIONS RE- that one can legally view Drawbridge.) Visitor Center, Fremont QUIRED. Go to: http://baydaylitter.eventbrite.com 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bay Bike Ride Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. Take a break from your busy schedule Meet at the Visitor Center, Fremont BAY DAY Bike Ride and refresh your spirit with nature at 10:30 a.m. the refuge. Take a guided nature walk Environmental Education Center, Alviso on the Tidelands Trail and hear what Go on an 11-mile bike ride with docent Gregg 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Aronson along Marshlands Road and on the makes this National Wildlife Refuge unique. The Every day is Bay Day! See the beauty of San Shoreline Trail to observe birds and the oc- 1.3-mile walk traverses through endangered Francisco Bay by taking a 4.5-mile bike ride casional leopard shark! Pass through sev- species habitat and offers great views of south that winds around Mallard Sough and ends up eral habitat types along the way including salt San Francisco Bay. Meet in front of the Visitor at Coyote Creek overlooking Drawbridge. See marsh, salt pond, and the bay. The paved and Center. Led by Matt Keehner. how wetland restoration benefits the San Fran- dirt trails are almost flat and trail and hybrid cisco Bay and the overall ecosystem. Bring bicycles highly recommended. Helmets are re- your hybrid or mountain bike, water, helmet, Saturday, September 10 quired. Recommended for more experienced and sense of adventure. You’ll never know bicyclists. Program cancels if it rains the day what you’ll see. Led by Steve Dill. Register at Twilight Marsh Walk before and the day of due to mud. Register at http://baydaybikeride.eventbrite.com. Visitor Center, Fremont https://donedwardsbike.eventbrite.com or call 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for reservations. *Nature Walk for Health Cap off the day by experiencing the salt marsh Indicators that Fox are in Your Area Visitor Center, Fremont at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. miles) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will ob- Visitor Center, Fremont serve the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Take a break from your busy schedule and refresh your spirit with nature at the discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or refuge. Take a guided nature walk on refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a the Tidelands Trail and hear what makes this Na- children. Go to https://donedwardstwilight. dog left it? It could be from something else. tional Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1.3-mile walk eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Come along with me and I will show you how traverses through endangered species habitat Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. to distinguish and identify the markings of a and offers great views of south San Francisco gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s na- Bay. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. Led by Skaggs Island Bike Day ture and their behavior during the walk. By the Matt Keehner. San Pablo Bay NWR time we are through, you will have a set of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. “tools” you can use to identify the presence of Come join us to bike the 8-mile loop of Skaggs foxes in any area that you are in. Bring a hat, Friday, October 7 Island, which is normally closed to the public. binoculars, and good walking shoes. Register at Hear about the island’s fascinating past, present http://donedwardsfox.eventbrite.com. Led by Night Sky Party! management, and future plans for restoration at Bill Leikam, the Fox Guy. Environmental Education Center, Alviso strategic stops. Bring your bike (hybrid bike high- 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ly recommended), sunscreen, helmets (required) Meet the stars of Fall! Join our amateur astrono- and water. Bike path is mostly paved with some mers as we learn about constellations. Make a gravel surfaces. A chemical toilet is available at star chart and then venture outside to view the the beginning of ride. For more questions, please night sky through a telescope. Afterwards, warm call Melisa Amato at 707-769-4200 ext. 102. up with some hot chocolate. Bring your own

Page 10 binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them. Jr. Duck Stamp Display – miles) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will ob- Dress warmly, as it gets cold in the evening. serve the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come Fun for the whole family! RESERVATIONS RE- California Winners discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the QUIRED. Go to http://wintersky.eventbrite.com. Learning Center in Fremont refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. Down the hill from the Visitor Center children. Go to https://donedwardstwilight. 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. Saturday, October 8 Marvel the winning artwork from youths from all over California. Stacy Shen’s (of Fremont) ren- Stewardship Day dition of Snow Geese was entered into the na- Saturday, October 22 Visitor Center, Fremont tional Jr. Duck Stamp contest and took the top 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prize! Stacy’s artwork is featured in this season’s Drawbridge Van Excursion If you are interested in improving the refuge for Federal Jr. Duck Stamp. Meet and greet Stacy Environmental Education Center, Alviso visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor from 1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m. and have her sign 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Center for a stewardship project. We will do ei- your Jr. Duck Stamp! Stamps are $5 each and An abandoned town in the San Francisco Bay? ther a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding proj- goes toward environmental education programs That’s right! Nestled on an island in the salt ect. Dress appropriately for the task and for the across the United States. marshes of South San Francisco Bay, the town weather. We will have gloves to lend and will pro- Introduction to Wildlife Drawing of Drawbridge once boomed. Was it a quiet, vide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. Meet peaceful town full of nature lovers, or people in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. Driving an with Linda Knoll scrabbling out a living? How long did it exist? additional 2.5 miles may be required since the Learning Center, Fremont Find out at this program led by Ceal Craig. Start project may be at a different location. For more Down the hill from the Visitor Center with a slide show, and then take a short van information, or to make reservations, call 510- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote 792-0222 ext. 361. Creek. Program will be of most interest to adults Join children’s book illustrator, Linda Knoll, at interested in history or nature. Children 13 years Jr. Refuge Ranger Program a wildlife drawing session for the whole family. and over with an adult are welcome. Space is Visitor Center, Fremont You’ll learn how to look at birds and animals, very limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. draw their shapes and add details in a colorful http://draweec.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call painting using wax pastels. Linda will share her Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. (Note: we do not Become an honorary Jr. Refuge Ranger by com- picture book Over in the Valley which features pleting activities on the refuge. We will guide you visit the town itself – we go to the closest spot animals native to Central California. Register that one can legally view Drawbridge.) in some of the activities that will help you earn at http://DrawingNature.eventbrite.com. Spon- the Refuge Ranger Badge. The rest of the ac- sored by San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Volunteer Orientation tivities can be completed on your own. Those who complete the activities in the booklet for Meet and Greet National Jr. Duck Visitor Center, Fremont your age group will receive a Jr. Refuge Ranger 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. badge. Register at http://donedwardsranger. Stamp Winner Stacy Shen Increase your quality of life with a resolution to eventbrite.com. Learning Center, Fremont volunteer for a good cause. Come to this presen- Down the hill from the Visitor Center tation to see if volunteering at the Don Edwards 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is Local teen Stacy Shen took top honors in the right for you. Begin by learning the mission and October 9-15, 2016 National Jr. Duck Stamp art contest! Meet this goals of the San Francisco Bay National Wild- incredible young woman, see her winning entry, life Refuge Complex, its parent agency U.S. Fish is National Wildlife and have her sign your Jr. Duck Stamp! Stamps and Wildlife Service, and volunteer positions are $5 each and goes toward environmental ed- currently open at the Fremont location. Present- Refuge Week! ucation programs across the United States. ed by Paul Mueller. Live Bird Show with Sulphur Creek Saturday, October 29 Saturday, October 15 Nature Center *Family Bird Walk Learning Center, Fremont Native Plant Sale Down the hill from the Visitor Center Visitor Center, Fremont 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Let family walks become a shared time of na- Take this opportunity to see live birds up close. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ture learning. We’ll begin by helping kids cre- Learn the behavior and habits in the wild by This is your chance to purchase that perfect na- ate their personal bird watching field guides, this fascinating presentation by Sulphur Creek tive plant to add to your garden! Whether you’re and then head out onto the trails to find those Nature Center. Register at http://livebirdshow. looking to re-landscape your yard with drought- birds. A limited number of binoculars are avail- eventbrite.com. Sponsored by San Francisco resistant plants, or you want to create habitat for able to borrow. Recommended for children Bay Wildlife Society. neighborhood birds and butterflies, this is the ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to place to be! Mud and Plankton Labs https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or Bay Bike Ride Learning Center, Fremont call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Meet at the Visitor Center, Fremont Down the hill from the Visitor Center Indicators that Fox are in Your Area 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont Go on an 11-mile bike ride with docent Gregg Tiny organisms are drifting in our bay and 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Aronson along Marshlands Road and on the sloughs, and living in the mud. Learn the differ- Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or Shoreline Trail to observe birds and the occa- ent characteristics of plankton and invertebrates scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a dog sional leopard shark! Pass through several habi- and how they have adapted to survive. We will left it? It could be from something else. Come tat types along the way including salt marsh, salt collect water samples and mud samples to iden- along with me and I will show you how to dis- pond, and the bay. The paved and dirt trails are tify these organisms under a microscope. All tinguish and identify the markings of a gray fox. almost flat and trail and hybrid bicycles highly ages welcome. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and recommended. Helmets are required. Recom- Twilight Marsh Walk their behavior during the walk. By the time we mended for more experienced bicyclists. Pro- are through, you will have a set of “tools” you gram cancels if it rains the day before and the Visitor Center, Fremont can use to identify the presence of foxes in day of due to mud. Register at https://doned- 5:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. any area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, wardsbike.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 Cap off the day by experiencing the salt marsh and good walking shoes. Led by Bill Leikam, the ext. 363 for reservations. at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 Fox Guy.

Page 11 * Tiny Drifters Twilight Marsh Walk Environmental Education Center, Alviso Visitor Center, Fremont 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Autumn There’s plankton in our Bay! Learn about the Cap off the day by experiencing the salt marsh different characteristics of plankton and how at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 they have adapted to survive. We will become miles) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will ob- planktologists for a day, collect water samples serve the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come Activity and identify these incredible organisms under a discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the microscope! All ages are welcome. Register at refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young https://eectinydrifters.eventbrite.com. children. Go to https://donedwardstwilight. Schedule eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Children under the age of 16 must be Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. accompanied by an adult. Saturday, November 12 *Trails are generally level. Stewardship Day Saturday, November 19 Surface and trail conditions vary. Visitor Center, Fremont Please call for accessibility information. 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *Bird Watching for Beginners If you are interested in improving the refuge for Visitor Center, Fremont visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visi- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. *Bird Watching for Beginners tor Center for a stewardship project. We will do In this beginner’s program, we will go over the Visitor Center, Fremont either a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding use of binoculars, how to use a bird guide, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. project. Dress appropriately for the task and for and identify the birds we see on the trail. Rec- the weather. We will have gloves to lend and will In this beginner’s program, we will go over the ommended for ages 10 and up. Dress for the provide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. weather and wear comfortable shoes. Led by use of binoculars, how to use a bird guide, Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. Driv- Carmen Minch. and identify the birds we see on the trail. Rec- ing an additional 2.5 miles may be required since ommended for ages 10 and up. Dress for the the project may be at a different location. For Restoring Inner Bair Island weather and wear comfortable shoes. Led by more information, or to make reservations, call Carmen Minch. 510-792-0222 ext. 361. Walking Tour Pacific Flyway Salt Marsh Walk Inner Bair Island, Redwood City 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. SF2 Trail, Menlo Park Visitor Center, Fremont 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bair Island is now open! On this 1.5-mile walk, witness wetland restoration in progress. Hear Our wetlands are an important stop on the Pa- Take a walk with docent Gregg Aronson around the story of Bair Island and see how we are cific Flyway, a major bird migration route. Stroll the wetlands of the wildlife refuge and learn turning the former salt pond back into a healthy with docent Laurel Stell to learn why birds mi- about their history. See examples of salt col- tidal marsh. Directions: Take Highway 101 and grate, why they stop along the San Francisco lection ponds and learn what is being done to exit at Whipple Ave in Redwood City. Head west convert them back to their original, natural salt Bay, and to spot the birds in action. Trail is easy toward the bay. The road winds 0.5 mile be- and level. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at marsh state. Hear how wildlife is affected by the two types of habitat, and why it is impor- coming East Bayshore, then Bair Island Road. the SF2 trail parking area on the west side of the The Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge Bair Dumbarton Bridge. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. tant to control the rate of conversion from salt ponds back to the salt marshes. Binoculars Island parking lot is on the right. Meet by the Go to https://pacificflyway.eventbrite.com. restrooms. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. and/or a camera are recommended. Register at https://marshwalk.eventbrite.com Go to: http://innerbairtour.eventbrite.com. Ques- tions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. *Returning the Tide November at San Pablo Bay NWR Saturday, November 26 Cullinan Ranch Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR *Family Bird Walk Saturday, November 5 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Visitor Center, Fremont After 125 years, the Cullinan Ranch Unit of *Marshlands of Dreams San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is now 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont receiving tidal flow from the bay. After a short Let family walks become a shared time of na- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. talk about what the refuge hopes to accomplish ture learning. We’ll begin by helping kids cre- with the restoration, we will take a walk to view ate their personal bird watching field guides, Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the LaRiv- the changes. Led by Carmen Minch. Register and then head out onto the trails to find those iere Marsh Trail to find traces of the past. Prior to at http://www.returningtide.eventbrite.com. The birds. A limited number of binoculars are avail- marsh restoration, learn how Californians utilized trailhead can only be accessed from westbound able to borrow. Recommended for children the area for farming, quarrying, salt production, State Route 37. Head westbound on SR 37. Just ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to and transportation. after passing Walnut Ave. at Mare Island, travel https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or 3.3 miles to the Cullinan Ranch turn-off where a call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. *Nature Walk for Health large wooden kiosk is located. There is a small Visitor Center, Fremont parking lot. If coming from the west, you must Indicators that Fox are in Your Area 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. drive past the trailhead 3.3 miles. Exit at Walnut Ave, turn around and head west on SR 37. Visitor Center, Fremont Take a break from your busy schedule 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and refresh your spirit with nature at Pacific Flyway Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or the refuge. Take a guided nature walk SF2 Trail, Menlo Park scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a dog on the Tidelands Trail and hear what left it? It could be from something else. Come makes this National Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. along with me and I will show you how to dis- 1.3-mile walk traverses through endangered Our wetlands are an important stop on the Pa- tinguish and identify the markings of a gray fox. species habitat and offers great views of south cific Flyway, a major bird migration route. Stroll Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and San Francisco Bay. Meet in front of the Visitor with docent Laurel Stell to learn why birds mi- their behavior during the walk. By the time we Center. Led by Matt Keehner. grate, why they stop along the San Francisco Bay, and to spot the birds in action. Trail is easy are through, you will have a set of “tools” you and level. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at can use to identify the presence of foxes in the SF2 trail parking area on the west side of the any area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, Dumbarton Bridge. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. and good walking shoes. Led by Bill Leikam, the Go to https://pacificflyway.eventbrite.com. Fox Guy. Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Page 12 “Exploring Our Baylands” Book Review by Roy Sasai, San Francisco Bay Wildlife presence of certain plant in the marsh may bring a more Society Volunteer and San Francisco Bay communities indicate the appreciative perspective after National Wildlife Refuge Complex Docent different tidal zones identi- reading this book. fied by scientists, and how Exploring Our Baylands can Exploring Our Baylands by Diane R. these plants have adapted be helpful in identifying the Conradson, Ph.D. is a well-written, concise to the harsh, salty environ- plants and animals in the San book (only 69 pages) packed with informa- ment. Conradson also reveals Francisco Bay Area as it is full tion regarding the history and ecology of the that there are two different of photographs. It is a wonder- San Francisco Bay Area. The book begins species of the endangered ful book to have while visiting with the formation of the San Francisco Bay salt marsh harvest mouse in our baylands as there is a story through seismic and glacier activity. The bay the Bay Area due to being behind everything you see. has gone through several transformations isolated by rising bay waters Note: Exploring Our and the bay we see today is only 2,000 years from long ago. Baylands can be purchased for $5 at the old. At one time, the California coastline The book captures the story of how nature stores on Don Edwards SF Bay was west of the Farallon Islands. That’s 30 human progress has changed the bay, how National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont and miles out in the ocean from today’s coast- resource exploitation drove many species Alviso (normal retail price $9.95). Order the line! to near extinction, and how environmental book by emailing [email protected], or by Conradson then delves into the plants awareness and stewardship is reversing some making a donation. See page 8. and animals around the bay, how the of those effects. Seeing snowy egrets feeding

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Cleanup Day Dumbarton Fishing Pier Parking Lot Marshlands Rd, Fremont Saturday, September 17, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Do you want to help wildlife and the environment? Join the thousands of people around the world for International Coastal Cleanup Day. At Don Edwards SF Bay NWR you can remove invasive weeds or pick up trash along the parking lot and trails. We’ll supply plastic gloves (or bring your own) and trash and recycling bags. You supply energy, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle. For more information, call 510-792-0222, ext. 362 for the Visitor Services Intern or Paul Mueller at ext. 361. No reservations necessary.

Children under age 18 must have parental approval. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To expedite the registration process, log on to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ don_edwards_san_francisco_bay to download the forms and bring to the registration table. Forms are also available at the registration table.

Page 13 Field Trips to the Refuge garden, taste pickleweed in the salt marsh, ties and demonstrations. There is a limita- General Education or discover the creatures that live in the tion to 60 students per field trip, and a 1:10 Program Information slough and salt pond water on a Wetland chaperone to student ratio is required. Round-Up Field Trip. th We offer FREE field trip programs at two 5th-12 grades: Classroom Presentations sites at the Don Edwards San Francisco This field trip program is designed for up Presentations include an in-depth look at Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Wetland to 65 students in grades K-5. This fall, the habitats of the south bay along with the Round-Up field trip programs are offered at Wetland Round-Up is offered from late pathways of indoor and outdoor water use. our Headquarters in Fremont, and Wetland October through mid-December, 2016. Students will have a better understanding Round-Up and Living Wetlands are offered of the role they play in the health of their at the Environmental Education Center Mail In Registration watershed and what personal actions they in Alviso. These programs actively involve Instructions on how to request field trip can take to help. The presentation takes teachers, adult volunteers, and students dates and registration forms are available approximately one hour. Please contact us in investigating the diverse habitats and on our website at http://go.usa.gov/xx8pC. for specific classroom presentation needs. wildlife at the refuge. The hands-on, small- Registration forms must be received by group activities are designed to teach basic September 5, 2016. Due to funding restrictions, first priority will ecological concepts and to introduce endan- be given to Title 1 schools in San Jose. Second gered species, migratory birds, and wetland Wetland Round-Up Field Trip priority will be given to schools in Milpitas, habitats to the students. All programs have Workshops Santa Clara, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los been correlated to the appropriate State of New teachers that have not yet attended a Gatos, Campbell, and Cupertino. California Education Standards. We are field trip orientation must attend a training. Living Wetlands program applications are piloting new and modified activities that The workshops are offered from 4 p.m. – available online at http://go.usa.gov/xxWzC. support Next Generation Science Standards. 6:30 p.m. on weekdays in the fall. Applications are due by Wednesday, August Educators and adult leaders conduct their We highly recommend that returning 31, 2016. You will receive a notice by email own field trips after attending a Field teachers accompany parent leaders and on or before September 17, 2016 if your Trip Workshop. The workshops allow chaperones to a workshop prior to your class(es) have been chosen to participate in a you to design and conduct your own field field trip. The workshops are offered from free Living Wetlands Program. trip. In addition, adult volunteers must 4 – 6 p.m. on weekdays in the fall. The For more information, and information be recruited to lead the activities at the workshop dates will be announced on-line about fall 2016 call Colter Cook, the Living different learning stations and to chaperone the rotation groups of students. We provide with the Field Trip Registration information Wetlands Program Coordinator at easy to follow “scripts” for each station, (see above). For more information call the 408-262-5513 ext. 102 or email him at but both “leaders” and “chaperones” are Environmental Education Staff at Alviso: [email protected]. strongly encouraged to attend a Field Trip Office: 408-262-5513 ext 100 Workshop. New teachers must attend a Email: [email protected] Programs for Colleges Field Trip Workshop. Location of activities and Universities and trail conditions may vary. Please call for Living Wetlands Program accessibility information. Living Wetlands provides a first-hand Guided Field Trips are offered at the learning environment for students and Environmental Education Center in Field Trips at Learning educators to explore the topics of watershed Alviso. Programs generally last from 1 ½ hour – 2 hours. Reservations must be made Center in Fremont health, wetlands, and habitat preservation. Activities and presentations focus on the at least 8 weeks in advance of the desired field Please contact Julie Kahrnoff, at Wetland Round-Up Field Trip relationship between personal habits and trip date. 408-262-5513 ext. 104 or at Wetland Round-Up Field Trip programs their effects on their local wetlands. Living [email protected] to make a will not be offered in fall 2016. Details Wetlands is an environmental education reservation. about scheduling a Wetland Round-Up field program offered at no cost through the trip for spring 2017 will be posted on our cooperative efforts of the City of San Jose, College Instructor-Led Tours are allowed website on November 21, 2016 and in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the San at the Environmental Education Center in winter issue of . Tideline Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Alviso. All college instructors planning this Contact the Environmental Education Staff type of field trip must make a reservation at Program Offerings: (See below for infor- at Fremont: least 8 weeks in advance of the desired field mation about priority schools) Office: (510) 792-0222 ext. 475 trip date. If your group size is over 25 you Cell: (510) 377-7269 5th-12th grades: Integrated will need to acquire a Special Use Permit E-mail: [email protected] Field Trip Program from our Headquarters office in Fremont. This program incorporates multiple Please contact Genie Moore, at 408-262- Field Trips at the activities related to wetlands and watershed 5513 ext. 100 or at [email protected] Environmental Education health. Participating classes will receive one or Julie Kahrnoff, at 408-262-5513 ext. 104 pre-classroom presentation from Living or at [email protected] to make a Center in Alviso Wetlands educators, a field trip to the Don reservation. Wetland Round-Up Field Trips Edwards Refuge, and one post-classroom Investigate the butterflies in the butterfly presentation all including hands-on activi- Page 14 Application Scout and Youth Group Programs for 2016/2017 The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay - Brownies Journeys and Badges National Wildlife Refuge offers free hands- - Juniors Journeys and Badges Transportation on, programs for youths. During the pro- - Cadette Journeys grams participants learn about endangered All minors must be accompanied by an Funds species, migratory birds, wetland habitats, adult. The Yellow School Bus Transportation Fund provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the relationship between personal habits Service and San Francisco Bay Wildlife and their effects on the San Francisco Bay. Youth Group Programs Society was created to help Title 1 schools These programs are designed to meet badge/ at the Refuge Headquarters and schools with proven hardships to patch requirements of Scout Groups, but in Fremont access the Wetland Round-Up and Living anyone can participate. Because of the The Refuge Headquarters offer Wetlands Field Trip Programs in Alviso popularity of such programs, reservations Webelos programs for up to 15 Webelos. To and the Newark Slough Learning Center in are required. Children under the age of 16 Fremont. register, call 510-792-0222 ext. 362 or at must be accompanied by an adult. Badges https://donedwardswebelos.eventbrite.com. Please refer to our website for more infor- are not provided. Programs led by June Smith. mation: http://go.usa.gov/3GJhm Programs at the Environmental You may also contact Genie Moore at Education Center are sponsored by the Webelos Adventure Into the Wild 408-262-5513 ext. 100 or email Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Saturday, October 1 [email protected]. Prevention Program and the San Francisco Saturday, November 19 Bay Wildlife Society. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Attention Webelos! Earn your naturalist Youth Group Programs at badge in just 2.5 hours. During this hike, the Environmental Education learn about birds, flyways, food chains, and Center in Alviso the importance of wetlands. Bring your Please email Julie to make a reservation binoculars, or borrow one of ours. and customize your visit at Julie.kahrnoff@ sfbws.com. Programs offered are: - Webelos Adventure Into the Wild - Daisies Journeys

TIDELINE Volunteer Opportunities Published quarterly by San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with funding from San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. in Alviso: Fall 2016 Volume 39, Number 3 Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Editor:...... Carmen Minch If you have an interest in wildlife and their conservation, To receive Tideline, email [email protected], or write to: enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and Tideline, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555 dependable, the refuge’s Volunteer Program in Alviso is for San Francisco Bay National you! As a volunteer, you’ll receive on-the-job training from Wildlife Refuge Complex staff and other volunteers in the project area you choose. Project areas are: restoration projects, information desk on Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex exists to preserve wildlife habitat, pro- weekends, interpretive programs, school field trips, and citizen tect threatened and endangered species, protect migratory birds, and provide opportunities for nature study. Seven refuges are managed from science/community service. the headquarters in Fremont: Antioch Dunes NWR, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR, Ellicott Slough NWR, Farallon NWR, Marin Islands Upcoming Volunteer Orientations for Fall NWR, Salinas River NWR, and San Pablo Bay NWR. Volunteer orientations will meet in the auditorium of the Tideline is On-Line Visit our web sites at Environmental Education Center in Alviso, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch_dunes 11 a.m. to noon. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ellicott_slough Saturday, October 1 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/farallon Saturday, November 5 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/marin_islands Saturday, December 3 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/salinas_river http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ san_pablo_bay Volunteer Requirements: attend a volunteer orientation; attend Follow us on Facebook: the scheduled trainings; meet the age requirements for the San Francisco Bay NWR Complex program. Volunteer applications provided at orientation.

Page 15 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FIRST-CLASS MAIL FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY POSTAGE & FEES PAID NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1 Marshlands Road U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fremont, CA 94555

OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit No. G-77 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

Inside This Issue AUTUMN 2016 1-3 Geology of Coyote Hills Volume 39, Number 3 4-5 Nat’l Wildlife Refuge Week 6 Western Gulls 7 Duck Stamp Winners 8 Society Thanks 9 Wildlife Society Message 10-13 Autumn Activities 14-15 Field Trips to the Refuge

Visitor Center, Fremont Learning Center (510) 792-0222 ext. 363 Directions: From Highway 84 (at the east end of the Dumbarton Bridge), exit at Thornton Avenue. Travel south on Thornton Avenue for 0.8 miles to the Refuge entrance on the right. Turn right into the Refuge and follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Environmental Education Center, Alviso (408) 262-5513 Directions: From I-880 or US-101, exit on CA-237 toward It is the policy of Mountain View/ the Fish and Wildlife Alviso. Turn north Service to accommodate onto Zanker Road. individuals with disabilities. Continue on Zanker If you have questions Road for 2.1 miles to concerning programs, or if you need the Environmental accommodation to enable you to participate, Education Center please contact a visitor services staff person, either at the entrance road (a sharp Visitor Center or at the Environmental Education Center. turn at Grand Blvd.).